Cleaning Robot Mop and Vacuum Combo

The majority of robot vacuums and mops pair with an app that allows you to save maps of your house, set cleaning schedules, and choose mopping options. Some models that have dual rotating pads also return to the dock to clean their brushes and dispose of dirty water.

If your model is using reusable pads, remove them and wash them (if safe) every few cleaning cycles to avoid the buildup of bacteria. You should also clean the tray they rest on between cleanings.

Preparation

Many robot mops feature pads that are soaked with cleaning solution and are swept across the floor, either brushing or scrubbing to remove sticky spots and other marks. To prevent bacteria from building up and to prevent them from smelling, the pads should be cleaned and removed between usage (if they can be washed). Some models also have brushes on the sides and the bottom of the robot that need to be washed and rinsed, or replaced every few cleaning cycles.

The most effective 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop combos are easy-to-use and come with features that decrease the amount of maintenance required after cleaning. They include self-cleaning pads, docks and automatic dustbin emptying. This helps keep your robot mopping immediately after cleaning. If you want your robot to be in a position to navigate and avoid obstacles, consider wiping down its sensors using towels or soft cloths every few cycles. This will help get rid of dust that can interfere with sensors and lead to errors.

If you have carpets, be sure to choose a robot mop that is compatible with carpets. Robotic mops that are able to vacuum or scrub floors need to be reprogrammed in order to avoid carpets. Certain robotic vacuum cleaners and mop cleaners have mapping features that can show you a live map of your room so you can track where your robot has cleaned and which areas it hasn't.

The majority of apps-connected robots mops use sensors to move through the house and avoid obstacles, but can sometimes be lost or confused. Make sure to update the mopping application regularly with the latest software updates to ensure that your robot is equipped with the most effective ability to navigate and avoid obstacles. Before you buy a robot we suggest that you create an obstacle course at home to test its performance.

The majority of robot mops have two tanks one for clean water and the other for dirty water. The tank that is dirty is required to be filled and empty frequently. The water tanks are easily removed from the base to make it easier to clean them and wash them with warm water and mild soap. Most models come with an under-sink drip tray beneath the tank that collects any liquid spilled. It is recommended that you empty your drip tray at the end of each cleaning cycle to stop bacteria from developing.

Cleaning the Water Tank

The majority of robot vacuum cleaner reviews mop, vacuum combinations, and robot mops utilize a water reservoir for cleaning. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning this tank regularly, depending on the frequency you use your robot. If you want your bot to last a long time, this is important. Certain brands, like the top choices of our rating, come with a removable, washable tank to remove dirt water and let the tank dry between cleaning sessions.

The majority of mop-vacs that we tested come with an app that allows you to save maps of your home, set up cleaning schedules, or choose cleaning modes. This is one of the features we look for when selecting a model, as it makes the process of setting up and using the best rated robot vacuum cleaner a lot easier. If the robot you select doesn't have an app, it's still possible to control the essential functions of the bot using the remote or button.

All the newer models that we've tested have the ability to clean dust and dirt on multiple surfaces. This is a big improvement over the previous versions of robot cleaners, that mostly passed water-filled pads across the floor. However, these machines are not designed to handle huge spills, which still need to be cleaned by hand. They aren't able to move furniture and could get lost in rooms with a lot of clutter.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to remove and wash the brushes on the bottom or sides of some newer bots (typically a damp microfiber towel). The majority of bots also have sensors to assist them in navigating floors and avoid obstacles. To keep these sensors working well, it's helpful to wipe down the sensors every few cleaning cycles using a soft clean cloth, especially the areas where sensors are press-fit against the floor.

Additionally, although it is possible to add other cleaners into your robot's tank (for instance vinegar or acetic acid), we advise against doing so unless the manufacturer has recommended it. This could cause damage to the robot and may void its warranty.

Cleaning the Drip Tray

If your robot mop and vacuum combo comes with a dock which doubles as a water tank, it will have to be cleaned regularly. The dock can collect dust, grit and other debris and needs to be removed and cleaned after the mop has been cleaned. A lot of our picks come with a self-cleaning cycle which you can control with the app or on the mop itself. This keeps the tank clean and prevents mildew.

It is also essential to wash the area around the dock in which the pads are cleaned. If the dock is left wet, it could turn slimy and even smell. If your model comes with disposable or washable mop pads, make sure to wash them in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer between cleaning cycles. Hybrid vacuums that have brushes on the sides and bottom are also affected. Remove the brushes and clean them using a cloth or rag after each cleaning cycle.

Some of the more advanced robot vacuum-mop combos we've tested contain sensors that allow them to navigate floors and avoid obstacles, however it's still essential to clean down those sensor areas regularly. This can prevent dirt and grime from blocking the sensors and causing misjudgment.

While many robot mops and vacuums require a little work on every day basis, they provide huge benefits for the busy homeowner. They will keep floors looking beautiful and eliminate the need for heavy lifting and save you the most valuable resource in a home -- your free time.

Although there are some new companies that are trying to build better robot vacuum-mop units but they have some way to go before they reach the level of our quality. We expect these machines to improve over time, just as all previous robot vacuums did.

Cleaning the Brushes

Just like vacuum cleaners, it's important to maintain your mop and cleaning robot vacuum combination to ensure it is functioning well. Clean sensors to make it easier to navigate clean and empty the water tank, remove pet hair clogs from brushes Keep charge ports clean and replace filter and rollers according to the recommendations of the manufacturer. These suggestions will ensure that your robot mop and vacuum combo works efficiently for a long period of time.

Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director Carolyn Forte evaluates and tests cleaning equipment in the Laboratory including robot vacuum-mop combos. Her team has been testing products and providing recommendations for them for more than forty years.

Robot vacuums and mops are great for cleaning both dry debris (dust dirt) and wet mess (spills or stains) in one cleaning session without switching machines. These multitaskers are great at making it easier to save time and effort. They're also great for busy schedule.

Some robots are controlled by an app and include additional features. For example, this model has a map of our obstacle course which is a key selling point. You can also schedule and alter cleaning sessions with the app, alter mopping mode, and determine the battery's level. Some models also provide voice activation, for instance this model that works with Alexa to allow hands-free control.

If you decide to purchase a robot vacuum and mop combination, look for a model that has the features that are important to you. All models utilize pads to sweep the floor however some have a scrubber for cleaning grout or a rotating brush for a more intensive scrub. Certain models come with filters that can be cleaned or replaced to eliminate smells.

Some mopping machines dispose of their dirty pads, and drop them into a base that automatically empties into a waste drawer, eliminating the need to wash the pads manually or refill the tank. Some, like the Noesis Florio, have reusable pads that you wash and dry between uses. If you decide to purchase one with reusable pads, be sure you read the manufacturer's instructions for drying and washing them in order to ensure they look the best automatic vacuum cleaner.